4.54 SEC

10 REPS

34.5 INCH

119.0 INCH

6.81 SEC

4.27 SEC

Overview

Leon McFadden, Sr. played nine years of professional baseball as a pitcher, shortstop and outfielder, including 62 games at the latter two spots in three years with the Houston Astros from 1968 to 1970. Leon, Jr. possesses the athleticism to play any sport he wants, but chose to make hits on the gridiron rather than trying to compile (or prevent) them on the diamond.

He originally signed to play receiver for the Aztecs, but switched to defense before his true freshman season –- a very wise move. McFadden played in 12 games that year, starting six of the team’s first seven games before contributing off the bench for balance of the season (26 tackles, interception, sack, two blocked extra points). He earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in each of the next two seasons, starting every game, intercepting two passes each year and accumulating 10 tackles for loss and 27 pass breakups. His 17 passes defensed tied for 12th in the FBS in 2011. As a Senior, McFadden notched 61 tackles, 3 interceptions (2 of which he took in for a touchdown), and 12 passes defended. His play in 2012 earned him first-team All-Mountain West honors for the third year in a row.

Analysis

Strengths

Possesses quick feet and good speed. Fluid hips help him transition from pedal to close, also to adjust to out routes after opening up. Good awareness as a zone defender, jumps underneath routes but also keeps an eye on the quarterback and can adjust to make plays on receivers running behind him. Contains well on his side of the field, has the closing speed to track down runners before they reach the sideline. Displays the hands to snatch interceptions over his head and away from his body and fluidly transition into the return. Competitive in 50-50 situations, active hands make it tough on receivers to complete the catch. Possesses some thickness and cuts down backs in space with authority and is willing to stick a shoulder into an unsuspecting receiver. Adept special teams player on coverage and block units and has the hands and quickness to get a shot on punt returns.

Weaknesses

Struggles to always get a good jam at the line of scrimmage, which gives him some issues in recovery. His size gives him some issues against bigger, more physical wide receivers. A bit gun shy in handling blocks from lineman in the screen game. Doesn't wrap up, often times attempts the cut tacke, which won’t always be effective against stronger, more elusive NFL ballcarriers.

NFL Comparison

Brent Grimes

Bottom Line

McFadden’s a tenacious three-time All-Mountain West selection possessing the strength, quickness, attitude, and ball skills required of NFL starters, even if his size is not ideal to handle the physicality of veteran wideouts. Many shorter corners who play with similar strength and temperament have succeeded at the next level, which will help him nail down top-75 grades from scouts.